I read Master and Margarita for the local book group this past month. Not gonna lie, there was a fair bit of skipping and skimming. I don’t think mid-century Soviet magical realism is my thing. Still, I’m glad I encountered it, even glancingly.
I've tried to march in the Slayer Pride Parade ...
Joyce ,'Same Time, Same Place'
Literary Buffistas 3: Don't Parse the Blurb, Dear.
There's more to life than watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer! No. Really, there is! Honestly! Here's a place for Buffistas to come and discuss what it is they're reading, their favorite authors and poets. "Geez. Crack a book sometime."
Calli - Feb 07, 2026 6:05:44 pm PST #28563 of 28572
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs
DavidS - Feb 07, 2026 6:15:39 pm PST #28564 of 28572
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
I read Master and Margarita for the local book group this past month. Not gonna lie, there was a fair bit of skipping and skimming. I don’t think mid-century Soviet magical realism is my thing. Still, I’m glad I encountered it, even glancingly.
The important thing to know is that novel was the inspiration for the Rolling Stones song "Sympathy for the Devil."
-t - Feb 22, 2026 1:09:41 pm PST #28565 of 28572
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
I am up to the May 2025 issue of Ellery Queen and it’s got 3 of my favorite regular authors! Anna Scotti, Libby Cudmore, and Elizabeth Elwood. The Elwood story is standalone, the others are the latest entries in series.
Calli - Feb 22, 2026 3:12:17 pm PST #28566 of 28572
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs
Did one of y’all recommend the Gabriel Ward mysteries by Sally Smith? I’m on the second in the series. They are perfect for cold winter days.
Re: Master and Margarita
that novel was the inspiration for the Rolling Stones song "Sympathy for the Devil."
You know, I could see that.
-t - Feb 22, 2026 3:32:09 pm PST #28567 of 28572
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
They’re good, aren’t they? I thought I had seen a date for the third one but I can’t find it now.
Speaking of books I’m looking forward to, I am first in line on the hold’s list to get Hell’s Heart at the library, woohoo!
bennett - Feb 22, 2026 4:57:34 pm PST #28568 of 28572
According to Goodreads, Sally Smith's "A Case of Fear and Favour" is expected to be published in January 2027.
-t - Feb 22, 2026 6:20:03 pm PST #28569 of 28572
I am a woman of various inclinations and only some of the time are they to burn everything down in frustration
Thanks! That’s not too long a wait as these things go.
Pix - Feb 23, 2026 5:37:47 pm PST #28570 of 28572
The status is NOT quo.
People. If you love cats and fantasy, I highly recommend “Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter” by Heather Faucett (who also wrote the Emily Wilde books). What a delight! [link]
bennett - Feb 23, 2026 6:48:55 pm PST #28571 of 28572
Thanks. Naturally there's a "several months long wait" at the library, but I've put a hold on it.
Pix - Feb 23, 2026 7:38:30 pm PST #28572 of 28572
The status is NOT quo.
The only thing I regularly spend my disposable income on is books. I can't help myself!